By Melissa Antoinette Garza
The Amazing, James Randi is one of my personal heroes as he is to so many others. He has a conscience which dictated he would use his amazing talents and expertise for advancing the evolution of humanity rather than grabbing the almighty dollar.
I’ve followed him for years. I’ve read all of his books which should be used as textbooks in high school science classes. His writing skills and ability to explain, convey his message and expose crooks has drawn me to him since I was a child. I’ve been waiting for this movie forever. I actually wrote an article about him and An Honest Liar on May 20, 2012 on this very website. http://www.scaredstiffreviews.com/?p=1792
I was unaware it was released until today when I saw it was on Netflix. Even being aware of Randi’s accomplishments as both a magician and an investigator, An Honest Liar still was surprising and touching.
Those who worked with Randi, and who faked psychic ability to show how easy it is to convince the scientific community into believing in the supernatural were interviewed in depth. They expressed so much passion while explaining the rationale behind the act and, also shockingly, regrets because of how the experiment impacted those who were made believers by the trickery. Still, the project was necessary as magicians who claim to be more need-not obtain any type of confirmation of their false abilities from scientists.
Of course the Peter Popoff scandal was shown. Peter Popoff is human scum. He’s an evangelist preacher who claims he has the power to heal. It appeared he knew his parishioners names, addresses, and ailments, only it was caught on radio that his racist wife was feeding him the lines. Randi exposed him on Johnny Carson. Worse than taking money from those who are sick, Popoff actually told them to throw their medications away at the church because they didn’t need them anymore. People with diabetes and cancer got rid of their meds. This guy should be in prison. He seriously just needs a beat-down. Randi was able to end his career for awhile, but the scumbag is back selling magic Jesus water and anything else he can muster. Sadly, his congregation is huge. I don’t know if they’re unaware of the scandal or if they rationalize it somehow in their brain, but I am unable to understand it. It’s impossible not to get angry at Popoff. I cannot understand how he can look at himself in the mirror in the morning. Does he really lack any moral compass whatsoever? I sympathize with all those who believe in his powers because all they’re looking for is health and happiness and he provides false hope and a new financial burden.
The documentary details Randi’s entire life from childhood, to how and why he became a magician, to what drove him to be an investigator and lastly exposes a secret about his then partner, now husband, Jose Alvarez. Mr. Alvarez grew up in Venezuela where homosexuality was greeted with homo-phobic slurs, beatings and most likely an eventual death. Alvarez who has been with Randi for decades was arrested for essentially escaping with his life and making it to America where he could sleep a little easier. To do so, he had to take someone’s name and identity he believed to be dead. If I were a judge and Mr. Alvarez was arrested for that, I’d dismiss the case immediately. If everyday I had to fear for my life because of who I was, I’d get the fuck out regardless of what I had to do. There are so many testimonials that Alvarez has never hurt anyone and is a terrific man. Not to mention, when you see him on the documentary, his humanity and kindness flow through him. I won’t reveal his sentence or the end results, but the documentary was made while this was happening. It is gut-wrenching to see Randi, someone I idolize and look up to as a role model, in despair. I just wanted to jump through my TV screen, grab both men and say, ‘stay with me. I will hide you and protect you.”
One must look at the intentions of someone when they commit a crime, especially a non-violent offense. He should have the entire ordeal expunged from his record. As a civilized society, especially in this day and age, that case should have never been brought up. Alvarez was a victim of continuous hate crimes. Love and understanding is the only way to exist with a sense of enriched fulfillment. I am disgusted that he has anything on his record because of this. The police that raided Randi’s home should be ashamed.
Worse, those who have held grudges against Randi and who can’t understand the context of a necessary lie, jumped on this as soon as it became public. They attempted to expose Randi as a liar and discredit the work he has done. All that nonsense is ridiculous. If my husband came to me and said “I’m going to be hurt or killed if I don’t break the law,” my response would be, “Do you need me to come along and what do you want me to say as your alibi.” It doesn’t make Randi into a liar. It shows his level of compassion and love. It only reinforces Randi’s humanity. It would have been easy if he were Popoff to write the person off and deny any involvement. Randi took the hits from the critics and in the end, the two were married. I wish them all the happiness that life has to offer because they deserve it.
This documentary is a must-see. If you know nothing about The Amazing Randi it will floor you. If you are an admirer, such as myself, it may hit you even harder.
Scared Stiff Rating: 10/10 Let’s get Randi!
Excellent review Melissa! I have been an admirer of Randi’s for years, and even though I was aware of this film, it wasn’t on my watch list….until now. I will be checking this one out. Well done!
Thanks for the kind words. Let me know when you are done reading it as I would love to see your opinion on it as well.